I've read the entire His Dark Materials trilogy (The Golden Comp!@#$%^&* being the first book), and I highly recommend them to people who like fantasy novels. His books are masterpieces. As to this topic, I was raised Christian and I have nothing against the books. It's just a fantasy novel, regardless of the fact that the author is an extreme atheist. I think the Catholics raising such a fuss about a movie is ridiculous. The director himself commented that the religious themes of the books are very watered down in the movie, so to reach out to all audiences. It's not like they're making this movie to brainwash children, they're making it for money, and hoping that the movie is as great of a hit as Lord of the Rings. As to rootbear, I'm honestly a little bit offended. Telling off every Christian here even though they might not have the same viewpoints as a few fanatics? Seems almost like the same thing you're accusing the religious bigots of, in a way. =/ No offense intended really, just kind of want you to think before you write: